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Boulder wastewater treatment plant to debut new UV disinfection system

Improvements scheduled for March completion

By Mitchell Byars Camera Staff Writer

Posted:
12/07/2012 11:40:58 PM MST

Updated:
12/07/2012 11:42:55 PM MST

Boulder will be changing the way it deals with its wastewater, starting Monday.

The municipal Wastewater Treatment Facility will break out a new ultraviolet light disinfection system that will be more efficient and safer than the chlorine and sulfur dioxide system that had previously been in place, according to officials.

The new system uses UV light to disinfect the community's wastewater of harmful bacteria, viruses and protozoa.

"We are very excited," said Nick Grossman, with the city of Boulder. "It's a major milestone and it is going to improve our wastewater treatment process, be environmentally friendly and be safer for staff and the community."

The old system -- which had been in place since 1990 --required storing chlorine and sulfur dioxide, both potentially explosive gases. Grossman said many communities across the country have made the switch. And, with the safety and environmental benefits the new system provides, Boulder felt it was time to join them.

"The old system had been in place since 1990," he said. "It was time for something new with more modern technology."

The wastewater facility is also getting mechanical and electrical upgrades to the wastewater digester complex and headworks facility. The improvements -- which are scheduled to be completed in March -- are funded by a $9.2 million revenue bond and are expected to reduce long-term operating costs.

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